Architect for Home Extension in Kildare

[BenGinaShui]

Hi we are planning to extend our house out the back to make a bigger kitchen and dining living area, and optionally an office to the side. We're looking for a good architect in Kildare who doesn't charge the earth as budget is tight, any recomendations? After considering going without an architect we've decided that seems a risky proposition. Also as we may go to the side we probably need planning permission. Would like someone to do some initial drawings for quotes and sign off on foundation and structural (Steel beams) work. We live between Naas and Newbridge. Any good builders u know would be a bonus, we have 1 or 2 recommended.

 

[PinotNoir]

Hi Folks

I'm in Maynooth - and we are doing v similar job to one described.

V happy with our builders so far - tidy, on schedule and reasonable quote.

Likewise with architect - cost there is 5K plus vat, and she is supervising site through to completion etc.

pm me if you like, or if you want to wait a bit, we are only 2 wks into our build!

 

[Gobnaitin]

We have just put a bid in on a house in Maynooth and if we get it, we want to put on an extension before we move in. We're wondering what we'll get for 100k which is what our budget is for the extension. Would appreciate any recommendations regarding builders or architects in that area.

G.

 

[ava1]

we are also living in naas and want for a similar project and would like a om of details /recommendations please for both architect and builder

 

[ramble]

You could get a very large extension for 100,000 if you are just costing the basic building. Are you looking at one storey or two, will it need planning permission. The total cost really depends on the quality of the fit out. If you are putting a new kitchen in the extension the you can really spend what you like, look at threads on the cost of kitchen fittings, those fancy porcelain tile that are all the rage can cost 100 euro/sqm to buy plus laying. If you are renovating the existing house and building on then that will increase the cost. Its also very easy to spend 25,000 to 30,000 on paint, carpets, curtains, wardrobes, light fittings etc. Make a wish list of what you want then get a builder out to look and give you an idea of prices.

 

[BenGinaShui]

Having now completed the extension, with an excellent builder, I would strongly recommend not using an architect for a straightforward extension. Use a draftsman as a good one will bring as much if not more to it. Our architect was useless added nothing to the job except hassle, costing us 2600 Euro- for very little. No ideas, except bad one's , all the design ideas we brought ourselves, and he made a complement of every change to the drawing. He was the only down side to an otherwise good experience. Irish builder, local to Prosperous, was excellent.

 

[sydthebeat]

Ben.. interesting and helpful post. But please explain how you eventually sourced and selected the architect. Did you talk to previous clients? did you see previous work? Was the scope of work and price agreed before any architectural work was started? What did he base his price on??
PS Whilst architectural technicians are not draughtsmen, they would provide a service similar to what you are describing..

 

[BenGinaShui]

We engaged the Architect on a recommendation from a friend, who eventually "discharged" the architect in question due to non performance. Unfortunately he was not far into his build when he gave us the tip. We talked to a few and this guys price was the cheapest- now we know why. He never visited the site during the build, despite me calling to check if he should. A rough scope was agreed before hand but to not even visit once during the build to my mind is terrible service. we are only 5 miles from his office and traffic is not an issue in rural Kildare.
He based his price on what he thought he could get away with, and as there was no planning permission required for the extention he rode it.
I would recommend an architectural technician or an experienced draughtsman as a cost effective solution. I now know 1 locally which I met afterwards

 

[sydthebeat]

yeah, to be honest 2600 for drawings of an extension that doesnt require planning is excessive... did he certify the work after?

 

[BenGinaShui]

Considering not involving him anymore in it, there is 500 owed to him so may just pay someone else to certify it.

 

[picorette]

Are you sure your guy was an Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland Architect? There are pretty strict rules now about who can and cannot call themselves an Architect. A phone call to the RIAI (01 -676 1703) would clarify.

 

[living:room]

As part of an Architect's job is to monitor the work being carried out by the builder and ensure that its being built in accordance with the drawings, a builder has a vested interest in telling a client that he doesn't need one! I'd be very careful of this...

Using an architect should mean that you have an independent assessment of the problems you are trying to resolve, trained in design and aware of all relevant legislation, able to help you select a good builder (one capable of carrying out the work to the correct standard), someone to check on progress and to take action, if anything goes wrong.

If anyone has any concerns about their Architect and the service being provided by them, contact the RIAI for advice at www.riai.ie

 

[Decisions!]

Having now completed the extension, with an excellent builder, I would strongly recommend not using an architect for a straightforward extension. Use a draftsman as a good one will bring as much if not more to it. Our architect was useless added nothing to the job except hassle, costing us 2600 Euro- for very little. No ideas, except bad one's , all the design ideas we brought ourselves, and he made a complement of every change to the drawing. He was the only down side to an otherwise good experience. Irish builder, local to Prosperous, was excellent.

Hi. Very informative thread. Please can you give details for Prosperous builder and Draftsman you referred to.